Discussion

SF Hounds planning first trip to Vancouver

We're looking for a great afternoon spot for oysters, but would love any other recommendations for the weekend. Admittedly we've had almost no time to research and plan and we're heading out next wknd.

For afternoon oysters, you could try Rodney's Oyster House in Yaletown for Happy Hour. Other good places for raw oysters are Blue Water Cafe and Joe Fortes(although I'm not sure if they have happy hour specials).

As for unusual (not necessarily that cheap) eats, you should try Japadog. I'm not sure there's anything similar to this in SF. There were crazy long line ups for these during the Olympics.http://www.japadog.com/en/

Vancouver actually has a lot of great eats to offer. However, since you are from SF and it is such a great foodie city, it is hard to find things that are truly unique in Vancouver that you won't be able to find back home or even in the Bay area. And hence, I struggle to find places to recommend.

As a hound who frequents both Vancouver and SF quite often, here are a few places I truly enjoy in Vancouver.

Phnom Pehn Cambodian Restaurant in Chinatown for their garlic fried chicken wings and garlic squid. I am totally addicted to the wings. To me, they rank in the same league as the ones from Pok Pok's in Portland, except that the style is different. I have been to Angkor Wat in SF and I didn't find it was anything to write home about. Phnom Pehn is on my list every time I'm in Vancouver as I just can't get enough of their wings. Some of their other dishes are quite good too. Here are some previous threads:http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/503051http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/541234

Vij's - East Indian Fusion - This is a famous restaurant in Vancouver and the reviews on this may be mixed as some people find it to be overrated. I've really enjoyed my visits there. The food is described as traditional east indian with west coast flair. My favourite dishes there are the infamous lamb popsicles and the sablefish. This is by far not your traditional east indian restaurant. You can go to their website to get a feel for the menu. I don't know if you have restaurants similar to this in SF area. Only word of caution is that unfortunately they do not take reservations. They open at 5:30 nightly and there is usually a line up at the door already for the first seating.http://www.vijs.ca/